In search of the source

How did the BBC know about the recent parting of the ways between two Labour MEPs and the Socialist Group before it happened?

European Voice

1/21/98, 5:00 PM CET

Updated 4/12/14, 2:52 AM CET

It occurred on the very day that the European Commission met the UK government in London to discuss Union business for the next six months.

To prevent the news overshadowing media coverage of the meeting of UK and EU luminaries, Labour spin doctors wanted details of Ken Coates and Hugh Kerr’s expulsion from the Socialist Group to be held back until the afternoon.

In the event, the two MEPs heard about their fate from the media before the meeting and promptly gave a whole series of radio and television interviews presenting their case before the official Labour Party press release was issued, diverting some of the attention from the presidency meeting.

Whatever the explanation, the leak apparently did not go down well with Labour spin doctors and there is speculation that if anyone is found to be responsible, it could affect their selection chances in the next Euro-elections.